Heat exchange unit having thermally conductive discs having preferential flow paths

Abstract

A heat exchange unit and a beverage or food container including a heat exchange unit therein. The heat exchange unit includes a vessel having a plurality of thermally conductive discs with a layer of compacted adsorbent material such as carbon particles disposed between adjacent discs. The periphery of the discs are in thermally conductive contact with the inner surface of the vessel and each discs has at least one surface which defines a plurality of radially extending grooves terminating at the periphery to define a preferential flow path for gas under pressure to travel along the inner surface of the vessel wall. The periphery of the discs also define a plurality of notches, one at each groove terminal, to enhance the preferential flow path.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A heat exchange unit for use in a container for chilling a food or beverage contained therein comprising: (a) a thermally conductive vessel having a wall;   (b) an adsorbent material received within said vessel for adsorbing a quantity of gas under pressure;   (c) a plurality of spaced apart discs formed of thermally conductive material and having a periphery in heat transfer contact with said wall of said vessel, said adsorbent material being disposed between and in contact with said discs, each of said discs having first and second outer surfaces, at least one of said outer surfaces includes a plurality of grooves defining a preferential flow path terminating at said periphery for conducting desorbed gas to said wall.   
     
     
       2. A heat exchange unit as defined in claim 1 which further includes a plurality of notches formed in said periphery of each of said discs. 
     
     
       3. A heat exchange unit as defined in claim 2 wherein each of said notches is disposed on the periphery of said disc at a terminus of a groove. 
     
     
       4. A heat exchange unit as defined in claim 3 wherein at least one of said outer surfaces also defines a centrally disposed recess therein and wherein each of said grooves communicate between said recess and one of said notches. 
     
     
       5. The heat exchange unit as defined in claim 2 wherein each of said discs is constructed of a solid material which extends across the interior of said thermally conductive vessel with the only egress from said vessel for desorbed gases contained therein is along said preferential flow path. 
     
     
       6. The heat exchange unit as defined in claim 5 wherein each of said discs is circular and is formed of a metallic material. 
     
     
       7. A self chilling food or beverage container comprising: (a) an outer container for containing said food or beverage and a heat exchange unit affixed to said outer container, said heat exchange unit comprising: 1. a thermally conductive vessel having a wall;   2. an adsorbent material received within said vessel for adsorbing a quantity of gas under pressure;   3. a plurality of spaced apart discs formed of thermally conductive material and having a periphery in heat transfer contact with said wall of said vessel, said adsorbent material being disposed between and in contact with said discs, each of said discs having first and second outer surfaces, at least one of said outer surfaces includes a plurality of grooves defining a preferential flow path terminating at said periphery for conducting desorbed gas to said wall.     
     
     
       8. A heat exchange unit as defined in claim 7 which further includes a plurality of notches formed in said periphery of each of said discs. 
     
     
       9. A heat exchange unit as defined in claim 8 wherein each of said notches is disposed on the periphery of said disc at a terminus of a groove. 
     
     
       10. A heat exchange unit as defined in claim 9 wherein at least one of said outer surfaces also defines a centrally disposed recess therein and wherein each of said grooves communicate between said recess and one of said notches. 
     
     
       11. The heat exchange unit as defined in claim 8 wherein each of said discs is constructed of a solid material which extends across the interior of said thermally conductive vessel with the only egress from said vessel for desorbed gases contained therein is along said preferential flow path. 
     
     
       12. The heat exchange unit as defined in claim 11 wherein each of said discs is circular and is formed of a metallic material.